Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi
Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday gathered in Rivers State for the official launch of the party in the region.
Supporters at Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa expressed enthusiasm, with some voicing hopes that former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar could form a formidable presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The crowd, present to welcome Amaechi and other prominent ADC figures, shared their aspirations with NAN.
Tele Bathram, a former governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, expressed confidence in the ADC’s potential to secure victory if Amaechi and Atiku lead the party’s charge in 2027.
He highlighted the party’s strategic efforts to dominate all 23 local government areas in Rivers State, emphasizing grassroots mobilization.
Bathram described the ADC as a powerful alliance of opposition politicians and disaffected members of the ruling party, united to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
“We’ve put structures in place to ensure total victory at the local level,” he said.
Christian Akujiobi, an ADC supporter, stressed the hardships faced by Rivers residents under the current administration, including economic and social challenges.
He positioned the ADC as the state’s best hope for reclaiming its past prominence and urged citizens to back the party’s vision.
However, not all sentiments were positive.
Port Harcourt resident Williams Ndamiete voiced skepticism about the ADC’s prospects, citing a lack of trust in Amaechi’s leadership.
“Amaechi’s influence in Rivers has waned. He’s lost credibility after abandoning his local base for national ambitions.
The crowd today may be enthusiastic, but they’re not loyal supporters—those have moved on,” Ndamiete told NAN.
The ADC has emerged as a coalition drawing high-profile figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
Notable members include Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus.
The party is led by former Senate President David Mark as national chairman, with former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola serving as national secretary.
